EKU Colonels WBB Aim for Eighth Straight in Showdown vs Samford

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Courtesy EKU Athletics
Courtesy EKU Athletics

Baptist Health Arena in Richmond, Ky., will witness a clash of basketball prowess as the EKU women’s basketball team seeks to extend its impressive seven-game winning streak. Hosting Samford on Friday at 7 p.m., the Colonels are poised to conclude their 2023-24 non-conference schedule on a high note.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details surrounding the anticipated matchup:

  • Date and Time: Friday, December 29, 2023 – 7:00 p.m. EST
  • Location: Baptist Health Arena (6,500) – Richmond, Ky.
  • Tickets: Available for $5 online or at the box office
  • Theme: “Rewind 2023” night at The Coliseum
  • Broadcast: ESPN+ with Wes Chandler providing live commentary; simulcast on 92.5 WEKY (Richmond area) courtside

EKU’s Strong Home Record:

Over the past two seasons, EKU has established a dominant 17-3 (.850) record at home, showcasing an exceptional ability to defend their turf. This season, the Colonels have won all five home games, contributing to a remarkable 27-8 (.771) home record during the three seasons of the Greg Todd era.

Fans eager to catch the Colonels in action one last time in 2023 can purchase tickets for the game at an affordable $5 rate. Doors open one hour before tipoff, setting the stage for a thrilling night of basketball.

CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid Major Top 25:

With a standout 10-3 record this season, EKU continues to garner recognition and currently receives 17 votes in the CollegeInsider.com Women’s Mid Major Top 25 poll. The Colonels hold a prominent position as one of three teams from the Atlantic Sun Conference programs featured in the poll.

In addition to their national standing, EKU is one of only two schools from the Commonwealth included in the poll, outpacing Murray State by 13 votes.

EKU Notes and Player Highlights:

  • The Colonels exhibit resilience, achieving a 10-3 record, the fastest start since 1994, including a remarkable comeback from an 18-point deficit against Southeast Missouri in the last game.
  • Graduate guard Antwainette Walker, set to be honored pre-game, leads both the Colonels and the ASUN Conference with an average of 20.7 points per game over 10 games. She has earned two ASUN Player of the Week honors this season.
  • Senior forward Sierra McCullough maintains her dominance, leading EKU with 9.2 rebounds per game over 10 games played. She leads the ASUN and ranks top 20 nationally in rebounding.

All-Time vs. Samford:

  • The upcoming matchup against Samford marks the first meeting since 2008 in Ohio Valley Conference play, with the series tied at six wins each.
  • EKU boasts a 4-1 home record against the Bulldogs, aiming to extend their historical success on their home court.

Scouting the Bulldogs:

  • Samford enters the game with a 7-5 record for the season, having faced tough competition against teams like Alabama, Arkansas, and North Alabama.
  • The Bulldogs, 1-1 against ASUN teams this season, feature sophomore guard Masyn Marchbanks as their leading scorer with 10.3 points per game.
  • Vanderbilt transfer Emily Bowman, standing at 6-foot-5, leads Samford in rebounding with 7.8 rebounds per game.

As EKU Women’s Basketball looks to cap off an exceptional non-conference season, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup against Samford at Baptist Health Arena. The Colonels aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their stronghold both in the ASUN Conference and on their home court.